Khel Pou La Vi (Play for Life) is a collaborative initiative between GOALS Haiti, Atoot in Nepal, and Sacred Sports Foundation in St. Lucia, supported by Common Goal through the Equal Play Effect. Together, the three organizations are working to expand opportunities for girls through football while strengthening their programs through shared learning, collaboration, and peer exchange.
As part of the project, coaches and leaders from each organization recently came together in St. Lucia for an international cohort learning experience focused on inclusive coaching, gender equality, and creating safe, empowering spaces for girls through sport. GOALS Haiti was represented by Coach Dyna Wagnac, whose experience reflected the power of learning alongside peers from around the world.
"This experience meant a great deal to me because I had the opportunity to represent both GOALS Haiti and Haiti on an international platform," Dyna shared. "I felt honored to be selected for this opportunity. It was both a significant responsibility and a privilege."
Throughout the week, participants explored practical coaching methods, adapted activities for children with diverse needs, and discussed how to create environments where every child feels welcomed, respected, and included. More importantly, the cohort created space for honest conversations, shared learning, and the exchange of ideas between organizations working in very different parts of the world but united by a common purpose.
For GOALS Haiti, these lessons are deeply connected to our mission. Girls in the communities where we work often face barriers to participation, including limited opportunities, negative stereotypes, and discouragement from playing football. Through Khel Pou La Vi, GOALS Haiti is continuing to strengthen its commitment to ensuring girls have equal access to sport, leadership, and safe spaces where they are encouraged to grow.
"Equal access to football and sports opportunities is essential because girls deserve the same opportunities as boys to participate, develop, and thrive through sport," Dyna said. "By ensuring equal access, we help them build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of teamwork."
One of the most meaningful aspects of the cohort was the opportunity to learn alongside other women leaders from different countries. While each organization serves a unique community, participants discovered that many of the challenges and opportunities they face are similar.
"Hearing about their experiences, challenges, and successes inspired me and gave me new ideas that I can apply in my own work and community," Dyna reflected.
The impact of the cohort extended beyond GOALS Haiti.
Monika Kumari, Programme Coordinator for Atoot in Nepal, reflected on how the cohort strengthened her coaching practice through hands-on learning, constructive feedback, and the opportunity to lead activities with children in St. Lucia. She emphasized that learning alongside peers from different countries provided new ideas and practical approaches she can now bring back to her own community.
Nova Alexander, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sacred Sports Foundation, described the cohort as "a living reminder that sport is far more than a game," calling it "a bridge between cultures, a language of dignity, and a powerful space where young women and communities discover confidence, courage, and belonging."
These reflections capture why opportunities like the Equal Play Effect are so valuable. While each partner brings its own expertise and local context, the cohort model creates space to learn from one another, exchange practical ideas, and strengthen programs together. Rather than working in isolation, organizations become part of a global community committed to advancing gender equality through sport.
Dyna returned to Haiti with new coaching tools, fresh perspectives, and a renewed commitment to supporting every child who steps onto a GOALS field.
"This experience has inspired me to become a better coach by paying closer attention to the needs of children and creating a more inclusive environment," she said. "Coaching is not only about teaching sports skills, but also about helping young people develop confidence, leadership, and life skills."
Her message to girls who dream of playing football is simple:
"Believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams."
Through Khel Pou La Vi, GOALS Haiti, Atoot, and Sacred Sports Foundation are demonstrating that meaningful change happens when organizations come together to learn, support one another, and invest in girls' potential. We are grateful to Common Goal for making partnerships like this possible through the Equal Play Effect, helping strengthen organizations, empower coaches, and create more opportunities for girls through football. Together, we are ensuring that more girls have the opportunity not only to play, but to lead, thrive, and shape stronger communities for generations to come.